The Novice

2021, Mystery & thriller, 1h 34m

84 Reviews 100+ Ratings

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critics consensus

A remarkable first feature for writer-director Lauren Hadaway, The Novice paints a thrilling -- and disturbing -- portrait of obsession. Read critic reviews

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Movie Info

Isabelle Fuhrman (Orphan) plays Alex Dall, a queer college freshman who joins her university's rowing team and undertakes an obsessive physical and psychological journey to make it to the top varsity boat, no matter the cost. Intent on outperforming her teammates, Alex pushes herself to her limits-and beyond, alienating everyone around her in the name of success. Furhman's fierce lead performance collides with Lauren Hadaway's bold direction and dynamic editing, creating a visceral window into a cutthroat world. Stylish cinematography and a seductive soundtrack complete the experience, evoking the romance and danger of falling in love; the attraction, the drama and the fallout. This unapologetic debut from Hadaway, based on her personal experience as a competitive collegiate rower, heralds a bold new voice in queer storytelling. If you liked Whiplash, this one's for you.
  • Rating:
    R (Brief Disturbing Material|Some Sexuality|Language)
  • Genre:
    Mystery & thriller
  • Original Language:
    English
  • Director:
    Lauren Hadaway
  • Producer:
    Ryan Hawkins, Kari Hollend, Steven Sims, Zack Zucker
  • Writer:
    Lauren Hadaway
  • Release Date (Theaters):
     limited
  • Release Date (Streaming):
  • Box Office (Gross USA):
    $23.0K
  • Runtime:
  • Distributor:
    IFC Films

Cast & Crew

Isabelle Fuhrman
Isabelle Fuhrman
Alex Dall
Amy Forsyth
Amy Forsyth
Jamie Brill
Dilone
Dilone
Dani
Kate Drummond
Kate Drummond
Coach Edwards
Jonathan Cherry
Jonathan Cherry
Coach Pete
Charlotte Ubben
Charlotte Ubben
Erin
Sage Irvine
Sage Irvine
Janssen
Chantelle Bishop
Chantelle Bishop
Highsmith
Jeni Ross
Jeni Ross
Winona
Lauren Hadaway
Lauren Hadaway
Director
Lauren Hadaway
Lauren Hadaway
Screenwriter
Ryan Hawkins
Ryan Hawkins
Producer
Kari Hollend
Kari Hollend
Producer
Steven Sims
Steven Sims
Producer
Zack Zucker
Zack Zucker
Producer
Ryan Bartecki
Ryan Bartecki
Executive Producer
Alex Engemann
Alex Engemann
Executive Producer
Jeff Handel
Jeff Handel
Executive Producer
Christopher Hines
Christopher Hines
Executive Producer
Michael Tennant
Michael Tennant
Executive Producer
Randy Toll
Randy Toll
Executive Producer
Steven Toll
Steven Toll
Executive Producer
Todd Martin
Todd Martin
Cinematographer
Lauren Hadaway
Lauren Hadaway
Film Editor
Nathan Nugent
Nathan Nugent
Film Editor
Alex Weston
Alex Weston
Original Music
Eva Kozlova
Eva Kozlova
Production Design
Dominique Arnold
Dominique Arnold
Set Decoration
Kate Adams
Kate Adams
Costume Designer
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News & Interviews for The Novice

2022 Film Independent Spirit Awards Nominations
2022 Film Independent Spirit Awards Nominations
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Critic Reviews for The Novice

All Critics (84) | Top Critics (18) | Fresh (78) | Rotten (6)
Full Review… Wendy Ide Observer (UK) Full Review… Elizabeth Wiart Little White Lies Full Review… Linda Marric The Jewish Chronicle Full Review… Phil Hoad Guardian Full Review… James Berardinelli ReelViews Full Review… Becca James Chicago Reader Full Review… James Croot Stuff.co.nz Full Review… Dallas King Flick Feast Full Review… Mitchell Beaupre Awards Radar Full Review… Ema Sasic Next Best Picture Full Review… Matt Pais MattPais.com Full Review… Yasmin Omar The Curzon Journal
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